Brush fire burns 12 acres, several buildings and vehicles

The weather may be cooling and the rains returning, but the potential for fire remains on the Plateau.

On Sunday at around 2 p.m., East Pierce Fire and Rescue was one of nearly a dozen departments that responded to a 12-acre brush fire in the 26900 block of 156th Street Court East in Buckley.

According to an East Pierce press release, Carbonado Fire was the first on the scene, and worked to save two homes that were under threat.

East Pierce amd Orting Valley Fire and Rescue arrived second, and sounded the alarm for more resources, bringing in units from Enumclaw, Mountain View, Graham, Central Pierce, South King, and a brush engine strike team comprised of firefighters from Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula, Browns Point, Riverside, and West Pierce.

The Washington Department of Natural resources also assisted, as well as The Soup Ladies from Black Diamond, who helped take care of firefighters and the civilians working alongside them.

In total, more than 11 engines, two brush engines, three medic units, and five tenders responded to the fire.

“While two barns, a mobile home, and other out buildings were lost to the fire, three homes were saved by firefighters and civilians,” East Pierce Fire Chief Bud Backer said in the release. “Several vehicles were lost as well, including two cars, dump truck, panel truck, and several others damaged by the fire.”

This incident represents an example of strong mutual aid networks, said Backer added, but it also highlights the fact that it remains extremely dry and that burn bans remain in effect.

“It will take a great deal of rain to lift the burn bans,” Backer said.

The 12-acre fire, exacerbated by dry grass and winds, destroyed two barns, a mobile home, two cars, a dump truck, a panel truck, and other buildings and vehicles. Photo courtesy East Pierce Fire and Rescue

The 12-acre fire, exacerbated by dry grass and winds, destroyed two barns, a mobile home, two cars, a dump truck, a panel truck, and other buildings and vehicles. Photo courtesy East Pierce Fire and Rescue